As a British astronaut makes his way towards the International Space Station, the government’s aptly timed National Space Policy announces support for the commercial space sector, which could produce 100k jobs. 

Former army pilot Major Tim Peake, an astronaut with the European Space Agency, blasted off this morning from Kazakhstan to spend six months on the space station where his work is hoped to inspire young people to study science and related subjects. 

The government’s first National Space Policy, released on Sunday, aims to position the UK as the European hub for commercial spaceflight. The government says this could be worth £40bn to the UK economy and create 100k jobs by 2030.

But Jonathan Lee Recruitment’s aerospace, aviation and defence specialist Matthew Heath warns businesses in the sector need to act now to secure future skills.

He told Recruiter: “Today’s announcement presents a great opportunity for the UK aerospace industry, and the Midlands region in particular due to its rich engineering and technology heritage and expertise. 

“In order to fully capitalise on this exciting opportunity and in light of existing skills shortages, businesses within the aerospace sector must waste no time in planning their skills strategies for the future.”

The industry is currently worth £11.8bn to the economy and supports services like disaster relief, defence and transport, according to the government. 

Meanwhile, US space agency NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] has today begun a recruitment drive for astronauts to travel to Mars, among other locations.

Recruiter contacted several other recruiters operating in the sector but had not heard back by deadline. We would love to hear your thoughts though – drop us a line via [email protected] or in the comments box below. 

• Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!